Mariners’ Josh Naylor’s strange down year deserves a second look

Tremayne Person of Sodo Mojo argues that Josh Naylor's unusual 2026 campaign with the Seattle Mariners was not completely wasted despite a steep decline in power. While Naylor hit just 10 home runs and slugged .350, he stole 30 bases, making him the first primary first baseman since George Sisler in 1922 to achieve consecutive 30-steal seasons.

Person notes that recurring right wrist soreness may have contributed to Naylor's power outage during a disappointing year for Seattle. Across 152 games, Naylor finished second on the team with 156 hits, with Person emphasizing that Naylor must rediscover his power stroke for 2027.